Help on the first gear problem
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 76
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Help on the first gear problem
I took delivery last Friday. I guess from what I've been told and what I've read on this site I'm a lucky guy 'cause I threaded the needle on all the constraints: mag red; power top; MN6;Z51;URB,etc.
It's my first Corvette and I haven't had this much fun on the road since the early 70's on my 750 K1 Honda.
One problem: twice now the shifter has balked at slipping into 1st, even if I let the clutch out an extra time. Most of the time it pops decisively into first, but twice I felt like I had to force it with kind of a crunching feeling. Is this a typical break-in issue or just my lack of recent expertise with a manual? I appreciate any feedback.
It's my first Corvette and I haven't had this much fun on the road since the early 70's on my 750 K1 Honda.
One problem: twice now the shifter has balked at slipping into 1st, even if I let the clutch out an extra time. Most of the time it pops decisively into first, but twice I felt like I had to force it with kind of a crunching feeling. Is this a typical break-in issue or just my lack of recent expertise with a manual? I appreciate any feedback.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 82,175
Likes: 1,319
From: McKinney TX
St. Jude Donor '21-'22-'23-'24
Yes, some have reported a minor problem with this. One solution is to go to 2nd gear, then 1st. Also, if you're going to 1st after stopping, try going to 1st (after 2nd) while you're still moving instead of waiting until you stop.
Most folks with this problem reported it got better with time.
Most folks with this problem reported it got better with time.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 748
Likes: 1
From: Centennial Co
Originally Posted by SilverCoupe
Yes, some have reported a minor problem with this. One solution is to go to 2nd gear, then 1st. Also, if you're going to 1st after stopping, try going to 1st (after 2nd) while you're still moving instead of waiting until you stop.
Most folks with this problem reported it got better with time.
Most folks with this problem reported it got better with time.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 417
Likes: 1
From: Just another gray haired old fart in a Corvette.
This topic has had many threads in the past. Basically it seems to be a gear mess problem that many owners are having. People have tried synthetic gear lube without much success. Since this is a well documented problem my question has always been is it more prevalent with the Z-51 transmission over the base/F-55 trans? The ratios are different. What are your observations?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 6,412
Likes: 1,295
From: Bluffton, SC
Personally, I think this whole issue has been blown way out of proportion. Most manual transmissions I've driven over the past 40 years or so have balked at going directly into first gear every once in a while. The C6 is no different in that every once in a while it wants to go into 2nd before 1st. It's nothing. I don't know why so much has been written about this.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,749
Likes: 0
From: Northeast Ohio
Originally Posted by VettesintheRockies
I agree. My C6 is 10 days old, just go to 2nd and it will slip into 1st. My C5 was the same way, got a lot better with age, but just part of the 6speed experience.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,316
Likes: 1
From: San Antonio Texas - Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic
Originally Posted by StanNH
Personally, I think this whole issue has been blown way out of proportion. Most manual transmissions I've driven over the past 40 years or so have balked at going directly into first gear every once in a while. The C6 is no different in that every once in a while it wants to go into 2nd before 1st. It's nothing. I don't know why so much has been written about this.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 10,516
Likes: 2
From: Virginia Bch VA
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06
Break-In
Originally Posted by jazzlove
I agree Stan, most new manual trannys are a bit stiff, but loosen up with use... It's not an "issue"...
@7,200mi I rarely have that problem
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 6,412
Likes: 1,295
From: Bluffton, SC
Originally Posted by JFTaylor
Some stiffness early on. Gets better with age, just like women,
@7,200mi I rarely have that problem
@7,200mi I rarely have that problem
Pro
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 670
Likes: 0
From: NJ
I thought it went: "you can't wear it out, it just gets bigger and better"!
hahaha
hahaha
Originally Posted by StanNH
Women get looser with age? Wow! I'll have to start hanging around nursing homes more often. Thanks for the tip, John.
